Does anyone else feel like dressing your mini is like having a real life barbie? It is one of my favorite parts of parenting. Fall is my favorite fashion season, so this year it is EXTRA fun because I have a little mini to outfit, too! But, sometimes I go a little overboard and buy way too much. So, here are some tips for how to create the perfect wardrobe for your little fashionista. Plus, the cutest fall picks from around the web, below.

(1) Pick a color scheme

Let’s be honest, if it was an option, BB would own every single item of baby clothes on the market. But, that’s not reality so let’s get back down to earth. The goal is to create a functional, adorable and versatile wardrobe without going overboard. So picking a color scheme and staying somewhere within that works wonders. If everything in your child’s closet coordinates, you can mix and match in countless ways. BB’s entire wardrobe is basically black, white, grey or pink with some leopard print thrown in.

(2) Quality over quantity

We’ve all bought those baby clothes that looked cute on the rack then fall to pieces the moment you put it in the wash. Don’t make that mistake. I would rather pay $40 for a pair of quality shoes than $10 for a pair that falls apart after one wear.

(3) Think basics + layers

In Chicago, fall usually means major temperature swings. It’s been soooo hot so far this fall, so BB has been mixing some of her new fall pieces with summer favs. Like THIS adorable new leopard dress and her (my) favorite summer sandals. But season after season, the items that get worn over and over again in BB’s closet are her basics (t-shirts, jeans and leggings) with fun layers. This fall, BB will be in cute boots or sneakers, basic leggings, tops, and a jacket!

(4) Accessorize

I understand we are talking babies here, but hats, bows, and belts are not off limits.

(5) Shoes, shoes, shoes

I swear, BB takes 1,000,000 steps a day. She needs quality, cute, and comfy shoes that can keep up with her.

So, here is what you need to outfit your little for fall…

JACKETS/VESTS

I am just going to go in order of importance here. Let’s be honest, a fall wardrobe is only as good as the top layer. Most days, what is seen in an outfit is the outer layer. So, invest in great jackets. BONUS, it seems like babies fit in jackets for SOOOO much longer than other items of clothing. 

SHOES

BB almost never wears “fancy” shoes. She lives in booties and sneakers. I cannot wait to see her in her combat boots this fall! Also, god bless the investor of velcro. If a shoe has velcro, I find it hard to resist. 

TOPS

Is there anything better than a basic and cozy cotton t-shirt? Nope, didn’t think so. 

SWEATERS/SWEATSHIRTS

I love BB in a cute and cozy sweatshirt. She is going to live in those this fall. I will also throw a cute sweater or two into her wardrobe for occasions. 

BOTTOMS

Stretchy leggings and jeans are golden but I couldn’t resist a few skirts, too. And don’t forget some tights!  

DRESSES/SKIRTS

So my mother does not disown me, maybe buy a few dresses or skirts for your little one. 

ACCESSORIES

It’s fall, so in Chicago we are going to need hats and scarves.